Hope and Homes for Children has released a new report calling on the EU to support child protection reform beyond its own borders.

Our joint report draws attention to the issues around the institutionalisation of children and calls on the EU to champion the reform of child protection and care systems as a human rights priority, not just within its own borders but around the world.

The publication sets out key recommendations to ensure that the EU supports children and families throughout the world, allowing them to thrive.

Globally, an estimated eight million children live in orphanages and other institutions but more than 80% of these children are not orphans. They are separated from their families because of poverty, disability or discrimination. More than a century of research from around the world shows that orphanages do not protect children, they harm them because children who are deprived of loving parental care are at risk of lifelong physical and psychological damage.

In the report, Hope and Homes for Children and Lumos call on the European Union to guarantee that all relevant EU external policy initiatives and instruments prioritise the best interests of children in institutions, children in alternative care and children at risk of being separated from their families.

Many other organisations have contributed to and endorsed the new report including ERIKS Development Partner, CBM, Help a Child, European Disability Forum, Eucord Network, Light for the World, Tearfund Ireland and Child Pact.

The European Union has already taken leadership in recognising and tackling the institutionalisation of children and has sent a strong message to its Member States to act.

Now it is essential for the EU to apply those same principles worldwide.

Every pound donated by you between 27th September and 27th December 2017 will be doubled by the UK Government as part of Hope and Homes for Children’s End the Silence campaign. Together, we can help thousands of children leave behind silent orphanages and to grow up surrounded by the love and protection of a family.